Learn all about this colorful French heirloom apple that is grown right here in the United States.
People tend to think that the solid, bright red apples are the prettiest. That is why Red Delicious apples came to be so widely grown.
But you know I like the apples that are suppose to be ugly. Once that have multiple shades of colors in them. Like the apples we are discussing today - the Orleans Reinette. It has red, yellow, gold, and brown on it's skin. It's like a pretty painting in raw fruit form.
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📜 History
Orleans Reinette is an old apple variety. None of us where alive when it originated in France the same year our country was fighting for it's independence, 1776! Some would believe that it's even older.
🚜 When Are They Harvested?
These apples are picked off the tree around mid-October, making them a later season variety.
👅 What Does It Taste Like
Here is my review of this apple. Categories are on a scale of 1-10.
| Crispiness | 7 |
| Tartness | 6 |
| Flavor | 10 |
| Sweetness | 5 |
| Juiciness | 4 |
🍎 What are They Best For?
Very complex taste, that will just blow your mind. It has the tart flavor of a good piece of citrus - something I have never experienced in an apple before. It finished with some nutty flavor. One of the best out of hand apple eating experiences I have had!
There are reasons why this apple is not available on store shelves across this country including that they do not keep that well, only 1-3 months in cold storage which for today's grocery stores is not long enough.
As for baking, this is an apple you want to try out. Tarte Tatin is a famous French pastry and this apple has been used for it, so you know it's a wonderful baking apple. Tarte Tatin is made by caramelizing the apples in butter and sugar before adding to the tart to bake. I am now questioning why I have never done this myself!
🛒 Where to Buy
Heirloom Orchards out of Hood River, Oregon grow this variety. I have actually gotten it from Frieda's Produce who had distributed the apples from Heirloom Orchards. Check out Central Market stores in Texas. I haven't seen this apple there exactly however I have seen varieties like King David, Ashmead's Kernel, and Northern Spy there that were grown by Heirloom Orchards.
I can't confirm this but I did see a list for them from Metropolitan Market which is a regional small chain around Seattle, Washington.
Here are some apple orchards you could directly buy from:
- Scott Farm | Dummerston, VT
- Birdsong Orchards | Watsonville, CA
- North Star Orchard | Cochranville, PA
- The Orchard at Sage Hen Farm | Lodi, NY
- Alber Orchards | Manchester, MI
👴🏻 More Heirloom Apples to Try
I am thankful to all the orchards now that are growing or continue to grow the old varieties. Here are some of my favorites for you to look out for:
Have you tried this apple? What did you think? Leave a comment below telling us. Be a helper and share where you found it. You may make someone's day with your insider info on where to get them! If you are a true apple lover, you'll want to check out all of our apple reviews.
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